Welcome to the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Grand Central Station, NYC
Did you know almost half of Manhattan’s population passes through Grand Central every day? This comprehensive self-guided walking tour in NYC uncovers the hidden secrets of this historic landmark, including the Sky Ceiling, Whispering Gallery, and iconic Information Booth & Clock.
Our New York city tours let you experience the city’s many wonders at your own pace. Do check our other New York city tours here.
About the Tour
This Grand Central Station walking tour begins just outside the terminal, on 42nd St. From here, you can admire the elegant entryway and learn about the statues that stand guard atop its grand entrance.
You’ll enter the station via Vanderbilt Hall, a beautiful space named for the station’s founders. Get the facts on the unbelievably wealthy Vanderbilt family and enter the Main Concourse, which you’ve seen in plenty of films and TV shows! This concourse is even more impressive in person, full of marble, crystal, and gold.
Next on this Grand Central Station walking tour, visit the famous clock and learn why it might just be worth $20 million! And did you know Grand Central practically invented time as we know it today? You’ll learn all about that while crossing the vast concourse.
Turn your eyes skyward next, toward the remarkable Sky Ceiling. Each constellation painted here carries a special meaning, and you’ll hear all about that as you trace the beautiful paintings from one end of the ceiling. Plus, learn about when NASA damaged the Main Concourse with a rocket!
After that, you’ll unpack the hidden symbolism within the extravagant chandeliers and find out how the station’s employees get from place to place without crossing the busy concourse.
Then, visit the often-overlooked Station Master’s Office and hear about how part of Grand Central was once almost torn down by developers. Finally, head to the lower levels to visit the strange and wonderful Whispering Gallery and the lavish Oyster Bar, where New York’s Roaring ’20s have been beautifully preserved. This New York walking tour concludes here.
Starting Point Address: 42 St – Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10017, USA
What You'll See
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Welcome/Introduction
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42nd Street Sculpture and Clock
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Vanderbilt Hall
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Main Concourse Summary
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The Information Booth & Clock
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The Ticket Windows
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The Sky Ceiling
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The Chandeliers
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The Walls of Glass
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The West Staircase
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The Station Master’s Office
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The New York Transit Museum
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Whispering Gallery
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Oyster Bar
Preview the Tour
Stop 1 : Welcome
Stop 3 : Vanderbilt Hall
Additional Information
What do we do?
Simply put, Action Tour Guide is an audio guide, map, and tour book – all in one app! We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. You can experience our driving and walking tours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day!
Lifetime Validity
Changing travel date? No worries! All individual tours come with lifetime validity.
No Network Needed
The tour works offline which means you do not need your phone network to enjoy the tour. However, we do suggest you download the tour at your home, hotel, visitor center, etc before you head out for a completely immersive experience.
Not an Entry Ticket
This is not an entry ticket.
1 - 2 Hours
11+ Reviews
